Matthew 7:15 (NIV) “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. Matthew 24:11: (NIV) “…and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.”2 Timothy 2:23 - 25 (NIV) - 23Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. 24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.

Monday, January 2, 2012

Top Story of 2011: Ramping up the "First Fruits" Tithing Doctrine Amongst the Emergents and the SBC

I wrap up 2011 (a few days late!) with what I consider the top story on this blog over the past year, which has to be the adoption by more and more pastors of the "first fruits" tithing doctrine. It is a teaching that has gone from the emergent churches and now has made inroads to the Southern Baptist Convention.

Robert Morris, pastor of Gateway Church, was introduced on this blog in June as he is really the grand-daddy teacher of the "first fruit" tithing nonsense. In the first post on Morris he told his congregation that forking over 10% of their income was a requirement to avoid losing one's job, their kids, and to avoid divorce.

2011 also saw Paige Patterson arrogantly tell his seminary students during chapel that the reason he is so blessed and why they are so poor is because he has been so faithful to tithe and many of them have not. In fact Patterson attributes his having a pulpit to preach in every week from him tithing 20% - which is great, but he is still about 3% short of the Old Testament 23% requirement.

Happy New Year WD. I've enjoyed both reading and commenting on your blog. Continue to labor in the work of enlightening believers to seek out the truth of God for themselves. Please continue to highlight the "TITHE" and "FIRST FRUITS" teachings that are unbiblically taught by so many! The biblical truth you present, when compared to the various church doctrines that are being pushed; has exposed much error to those who truly want to know the truth. As Jesus said to those Jews who believed on him in John 8:31-32 "If you continue in my word, you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free..."Elder-gab

I would like to know how these preachers can seriously believe that tithing is still enforce on Christians. Are they that ignorant of the old and new covenants or do they just ignore it because of 1) tradition, 2) others are doing it or 3) fear that if they don't create this legalistic need for 10% tithing that they won't have a nice church building, staff and fat salary? Maybe all three?

There is no "principle" or "example" of tithing to suggest that it is required of Christians. That nicety is only made up by preachers who want the 10%. They proclaim you are cursed if you don't tithe. The Bible says that you are under a curse if you do. "For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law."

Happy 2012 - we too enjoy both reading & commenting on your blog ministry - you have a lot of followers who need someone like you writing articles and speaking the truth - it's a popular blog & word of mouth continues to be spread around the universe.

I'm thankful that our church is full of generous people who understand that all offerings in the New Testament age are free will.

January 3, 2012 1:49 PM================================Pastor John Wylie wrote the above: As new believers, we sat under a pastor like him who taught us this belief.

We became regular tithers, giving more out of love because we were not hounded like the mega pastors do - we left FBCJ because it has become a Bank of First Baptist whose leaders have blantantlyoverpaid a Sr. Pastor who only works part time.

The interesting thing is altho we've been gone from FBCJ about as long as the W/D, the accounting department still hasn't taken us off their records and yet we received a letter on Christmas Eve about the need to give (while Mac is planning his cruise trip). Shame on the deacons for the decline of a church the community was honored for - now it's a joke!

I surely do wish we had a John Wylie or one like him here in Jacksonville.

I actually agree with Tom that if you are determined to stay under a mega-church pastor then quit giving and the money will dry up and they will move on. My suggestion is save your tithe and then give it on the first Sunday when they are gone. I'm sure Mac can find plenty of other places that want to be abused.

Just want to echo several of the other anons by saying thank you for your blog ministry. I have been so blessed, and grown so much as a Christian, from reading here. Your blog has been used more than any of us probably realize, and I for one hope you continue. Blessings to you and your family for a wonderful year.

2012 should be a very interesting year, and I look forward to continuing the blog into its 6th year!

Had a great 2-week vacation over the holidays, celebrated 25 years of marriage with my wonderful wife on a cruise - not to the Holy Land or Med - and took some time to visit NYC with the entire family.

About Me

We're small, insignificant, and harmless. But we have a loud, piercing bark that seems to annoy those in mega churches the most. Not Kool-Aid drinkers, only fresh, filtered water, please; with Grape or Cherry flavoring from Walmart. "Let him alone; God hath bidden him to speak:"